Evidence supporting the use of: Indian mallow
For the health condition: Goiter
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1
Indian mallow (Abutilon indicum) has been traditionally used in various systems of Indian medicine, including Ayurveda and Siddha, for a range of ailments. Among its purported uses is as a remedy for goiter, a condition characterized by the enlargement of the thyroid gland, most often due to iodine deficiency. In traditional texts, Indian mallow is described as having anti-inflammatory and demulcent properties, and it is sometimes included in polyherbal formulations aimed at treating glandular swellings.
However, there is a lack of robust scientific evidence to support the effectiveness of Indian mallow specifically for goiter. Modern pharmacological studies on Abutilon indicum have investigated its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties, but direct clinical or preclinical studies evaluating its impact on thyroid function or goiter are lacking. The connection to goiter in traditional use likely stems from its general application in treating swellings and its reputed balancing effects on bodily humors rather than any proven effect on thyroid hormones or iodine metabolism.
Therefore, while Indian mallow is traditionally used for goiter in some herbal medicine systems, there is minimal scientific validation for this practice, and its efficacy remains unconfirmed in the context of modern biomedical research.
Other health conditions supported by Indian mallow
Abdominal PainAbscesses
Acid Indigestion
Anemia
Appetite (deficient)
Asthma
Backache
Bleeding (external)
Boils
Bronchitis
Bruises (healing)
Burns and Scalds
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer (prevention)
Canker Sores
Carbuncles
Chest Pain
Colds (general)
Colds (with fever)
Colic (adults)
Colic (children)
Constipation (adults)
Constipation (children)
Cuts
Depression
Dermatitis
Diabetes
Diarrhea
Digestion (poor)
Ear Infection or Earache
Eczema
Edema
Fever
Gastritis
Gingivitis
Glands (swollen lymph)
Goiter
Gout
Headache (general)
Hemorrhoids